Namibia’s growing demand for bananas (Agri Monitor)

Despite the increasing demand for bananas in Namibia, the country remains heavily reliant on imports, as local production is virtually non-existent.According to the Namibian Agronomic Board’s (NAB) latest Seasonal Harvest report, bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits globally and the most traded fruit in the world. The NAB said that it has conducted a market intelligence study to assess banana consumption trends, import dependence and the potential for local production. Globally, banana production has been on the rise, with an annual average increase of 3.6% from 2018 to 2022. The NAB said that major producers such as India, China, and Nigeria dominate the market, while Africa collectively contributes a significant portion, harvesting around 31 million tons in 2022. “However, Southern Africa continues to be a net importer of bananas, with Namibia relying heavily on South African imports.”According to NAB data, Namibia imported 6 394 tons of bananas in 2022/2023, amounting to approximately N$57 million. The NAB said that imports have steadily increased from 5 084 tons in 2018/19, signaling a growing domestic demand. South Africa remains the primary supplier, accounting for 99% of Namibia’s banana imports, with occasional contributions from Angola and Mozambique. “Despite this high demand, there is currently no structured local banana industry.”It said that Namibia possesses favourable climatic conditions in regions such as Kavango, Zambezi, and the north-central zones, making banana cultivation a viable option. Studies suggest that with proper farming techniques, irrigation systems, and high-yield banana varieties, Namibia could significantly reduce its dependency on imports, the NAB said. “By investing in improved cultivars and modern agricultural practices, local farmers could produce high-quality bananas for the domestic market.”According to the NAB, the rising cost of banana imports, fluctuating between N$8 959 and N$10 552 per ton, highlights an economic opportunity for local growers. “Developing a local banana industry would not only reduce reliance on imports but also create job opportunities in the agricultural sector.”Additionally, the NAB said that if Namibia can achieve self-sufficiency in banana production and meet international trade standards, there is potential to explore export markets in the future.“ Namibia has the opportunity to shift from being a banana importer to a self-sustaining producer. With the right policies, investments, and research, local banana farming could become a reality. The NAB encourages farmers, investors, and policymakers to explore the potential of establishing a sustainable banana industry in Namibia.”

Namibia’s growing demand for bananas (Agri Monitor)

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